Anger over 'idiotic' parking fines in Selwood Drive, Barnet

Drivers have been left “baffled” after receiving parking fines for leaving their cars outside their homes.

People in Selwood Drive, East Barnet, are forced to park with two wheels on the kerb to allow others to pass down the narrow street.

Three years ago, Barnet Borough Council gave them permission to park in this way – but around 30 neighbours were left furious when they awoke to yellow tickets on their cars this week.

Although the fines currently have a value of £0, they will be ordered to pay a charge within the next two weeks, unless they stop leaving their cars on the kerb.

But not all the residents have drives – and they say the gap between their cars and the pavement is big enough for a buggy or a wheelchair to pass through.

Householder Amy Olson said: “It’s idiotic. The road won’t suddenly get wider, and it’s futile to give us these warnings when nothing will change.

“It’s been done shadily, when we’re all at home in the evening. We’ve been given no alternatives and are at a loss of what to do.

“It’s a quiet and friendly road and a dead end – this serves nobody. I can’t stress enough that all we want is a solution of how to park safely, but it feels like the council have their fingers in their ears.”

If residents were to park on the road, they claim it would be too narrow to allow other cars – including ambulances, fire engines and bin refuse trucks to pass through.

The 34-year-old mother, who had an unplanned home birth three months ago, says her story may not have been a positive one if the paramedics had not been able to get to her house.

She added: “It could have been life or death. If we park where they want us to park, the services we pay for in our council tax would be cut off to us.”

Last week, residents moved their cars onto the road at the request of a parking warden – who then became trapped in his car until neighbours finally agreed to move their cars back.

Serena Wilson, who also lives in Selwood Drive, said: “We’ve had an almighty row with the council when trying to prove our point.

“Having tried to enter conversations with the council we get nowhere. It’s mental.”

There are currently no parking restrictions on the street.

Residents feel a reasonable alternative would be planned parking bays on the curb – something Times Series blogger and parking expert Mr Mustard agrees with.

He said: “The council could mark the pavement out. If they’ve already sent the residents a letter saying they won’t ticket anyone in that road for parking on the kerb, they’re bound by it.

“However, it is illegal to park with two wheels up on the kerb. They could try to appeal their tickets, but I think they’ll lose.”

Barnet Borough Council claims it has been receiving complaints from disabled residents about not being able to use the pavement in Selwood Drive because of the number of cars parked there.

The statement said: “It is because the problems have continued that the council has decided to take action by introducing an initiative where residents can still park on the kerb but in marked bays which leaves enough space for residents to safely use the pavement.

“If drivers do not park in these bays, they will then be issued with a parking ticket.”

Have people been receiving parking fines for parking with two wheels up on the curb (as the article says) or on the pavement?

If it really was the curb, then every car parked all day outside Menorah Grammar School on Abbots Road, Burnt Oak should also receive parking fines. But they don't.

I suspect the rules distinguish between curb and pavement - where's Mr Mustard when you need him? :)

Have people been receiving parking fines for parking with two wheels up on the curb (as the article says) or on the pavement?
If it really was the curb, then every car parked all day outside Menorah Grammar School on Abbots Road, Burnt Oak should also receive parking fines. But they don't.
I suspect the rules distinguish between curb and pavement - where's Mr Mustard when you need him? :)kieranlynch

Perhaps the residents should use some of the parking areas around Selwood, where is Mr Mustard..he is commenting that even he could not get them off these tickets.
Have some regard for others who use the pavements and park in the correct areas supplied.

Perhaps the residents should use some of the parking areas around Selwood, where is Mr Mustard..he is commenting that even he could not get them off these tickets.
Have some regard for others who use the pavements and park in the correct areas supplied.F..kedupBarnet

Interesting this, I took a little walk around Selwood Drive last evening. There are 2 car parks for residents, both could fit 6 cars and more and both only had 1 car using them all the rest were parked on the pavement, I also noted that there is a wider stretch of the road where cars could park on both sides without causing any obstruction but that would mean a very short walk for these idle residents. Ticket the lot of them I say.

Interesting this, I took a little walk around Selwood Drive last evening. There are 2 car parks for residents, both could fit 6 cars and more and both only had 1 car using them all the rest were parked on the pavement, I also noted that there is a wider stretch of the road where cars could park on both sides without causing any obstruction but that would mean a very short walk for these idle residents. Ticket the lot of them I say.F..kedupBarnet

Perhaps kedupBarnet should get their facts straight. If the idle residents of Sellwood Drive had somewhere to park apart from the pavement, then we would. The car parks you refer to are designated to the home owners, and the car park behind my house is full up every night - try 11pm. There are around 30-50 cars on the pavement, depending on timings, and I also bring to your attention that our car insurance is for Sellwood Drive outside our homes ! Perhaps you should keep your comments to yourself, we are all hard working tax paying busy people - I suggest it is you that is idle with time on your hands.

Perhaps kedupBarnet should get their facts straight. If the idle residents of Sellwood Drive had somewhere to park apart from the pavement, then we would. The car parks you refer to are designated to the home owners, and the car park behind my house is full up every night - try 11pm. There are around 30-50 cars on the pavement, depending on timings, and I also bring to your attention that our car insurance is for Sellwood Drive outside our homes ! Perhaps you should keep your comments to yourself, we are all hard working tax paying busy people - I suggest it is you that is idle with time on your hands.serena wilson

Strange, I walked around that estate at 23.45 and there were ample parking spaces in the car parks. Yes I said walked , used the 2 legs I was blessed with. I am not the one who moved to an area where there was no LEGAL parking spaces and decided to park ILLEGALLY then moaned I got a ticket. Nobody pays taxes that entitle them to park on the road or the pavement causing obstructions to disabled and pedestrians, hopefully the Council will double yellow line the place saving the rest of us having to pay out via our taxes, compensation to anyone that gets hurt due to this illegal parking.

Strange, I walked around that estate at 23.45 and there were ample parking spaces in the car parks. Yes I said walked , used the 2 legs I was blessed with. I am not the one who moved to an area where there was no LEGAL parking spaces and decided to park ILLEGALLY then moaned I got a ticket. Nobody pays taxes that entitle them to park on the road or the pavement causing obstructions to disabled and pedestrians, hopefully the Council will double yellow line the place saving the rest of us having to pay out via our taxes, compensation to anyone that gets hurt due to this illegal parking.F..kedupBarnet